Canadian Women's Soccer Team Faces Fallout from Drone Incident

In a significant turn of events, the Canadian women's soccer team has seen the removal of assistant coach Jasmine Mander and unaccredited analyst Joseph Lombardi from its Olympic squad following a drone incident that disrupted a training session for Team New Zealand. The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) confirmed the decision on Wednesday, stating that both individuals would be sent home immediately. Head coach Bev Priestman has also stepped down from her coaching role for the upcoming match against New Zealand in Group A, emphasizing her accountability for the team's conduct. In a public apology, Priestman expressed regret on behalf of the Canadian team, stating, "This does not represent the values that our team stands for." She highlighted the importance of integrity and sportsmanship in the sport, which prompted her decision to withdraw from the match. The drone incident occurred on Monday and was reported to the police and the International Olympic Committee's integrity unit by the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC). The NZOC expressed shock and disappointment over the disruption, particularly as it came just days before the teams were set to compete in their opening game of the Paris 2024 Olympics. This incident marks a troubling pattern for Canadian soccer, as it is not the first time the team has faced scrutiny over drone-related controversies involving international rivals. The teams previously played to a 1-1 draw, but the focus now shifts to the implications of this incident on the upcoming match and the broader integrity of the Olympic Games.